Slideshow: McDonald’s, Burger King tempt consumers with new menu items

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – By Jan. 14, one-third of Americans already will have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions, according to a survey by True Global Intelligence, and by the end of the month up to half will have given up.

However, cheaters prosper when keeping fitness- or diet-related resolutions, said Jim White, dietitian and exercise physiologist for the American College of Sports Medicine.

“If you’re dieting, occasional indulgence is one of the keys to succeeding,” White said. “Allowing some indulgences provides a break from normal dieting without sabotaging your results. So, it’s not only okay to cheat as part of your resolution, it’s encouraged. I recommend that people treat themselves with the indulgences they crave most.”

For those who seek a savory indulgence during their dieting, McDonald’s is debuting three new menu items starring thick-cut, applewood smoked bacon: the Big Mac Bacon, Quarter Pounder Bacon and Cheesy Bacon Fries.

While some restaurants are rolling out cheat-worthy offerings, others are introducing healthier dishes to help consumers stick to their New Year’s resolutions.

Bruegger’s Bagels is serving new sandwiches and ingredients that “suit a healthy lifestyle,” the company said, including new vegan cream cheese-style spread and skinny bagels. The new healthy handhelds include the Skinny Bacon, Avocado & Tomato Egg White Sandwich and the Supernova Sandwich, which features smoked Nova lox salmon and avocado.

“Our fans are telling us they want more ways to customize their favorite menu items to fit their lifestyle and dietary needs,” said Tyler Ricks, president of Bruegger’s Bagels. “By offering ingredients like egg whites, dairy-free Daiya Cream Cheeze Style Spread and avocado, we are giving them the chance to customize their diets to meet their nutrition needs.”